Learn 7 foolproof steps on how to get Instagram followers and grow your Instagram following organically in 2023. 

Create engaging content, optimize your posts with relevant hashtags, and build an authentic community on Instagram using these tried and tested tips. 

Start implementing these strategies today and watch your Instagram following grow!

Understanding the Importance of Organic Growth on Instagram

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of organic growth, let's first define what it means. Organic growth refers to the process of building your Instagram following through genuine engagement, meaningful interactions, and high-quality content. 

It's the opposite of buying followers, using bots, or any other non-organic tactics that may give you a temporary boost, but ultimately harm your reputation and engagement rate.

One of the key benefits of organic growth is that it allows you to build a community of engaged followers who are genuinely interested in your content. 

This means that your followers are more likely to interact with your posts, leave comments, and share your content with their own followers. 

This type of engagement can lead to increased visibility and reach, as well as higher levels of trust and loyalty among your followers.

The difference between organic and inorganic growth

It may be tempting to take shortcuts when it comes to growing your Instagram following, but inorganic growth will only hurt you in the long run.

Inorganic growth typically involves buying followers or using shady tactics to increase your follower count. 

While this may give you an immediate boost in numbers, these followers are usually bots or accounts that will never interact with your content. 

In fact, Instagram has been cracking down on these types of tactics, and accounts that engage in them may face penalties such as reduced visibility or even account suspension.

Organic growth, on the other hand, involves building a community of engaged followers who are genuinely interested in your content. 

While it may take more time and effort, organic growth will result in a higher engagement rate, more meaningful interactions, and ultimately, a more loyal following.

Why organic growth matters for your brand

Organic growth not only results in a more engaged following, but it also signals to potential brand partners and sponsors that you have an authentic and engaged community. 

Brands are increasingly looking for influencers and creators who have built a genuine following, as opposed to those who have simply bought their numbers.

Another benefit of organic growth is that it allows you to better understand your audience and create content that resonates with them. 

By engaging with your followers and taking the time to understand their interests and preferences, you can create content that is more likely to be shared and engaged with.

By focusing on organic growth, you'll be setting yourself up for long-term success and sustained growth on Instagram. 

While it may take more time and effort, the benefits of building an engaged and loyal following are well worth it in the end.

Step 1: Setting Up Your Instagram Profile for Success

Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms, with over 1 billion active users. 

It's a great place to showcase your brand, connect with your audience, and grow your business. However, with so many users on the platform, it can be challenging to stand out. 

That's why it's essential to set up your Instagram profile for success. Here are some tips to get started:

Choosing the right username and profile picture

Your Instagram username and profile picture are the first things potential followers will see when they come across your account.

It's essential to make sure they're both representative of your brand and easy to recognize. 

Your username should be simple and easy to remember, making it easier for people to find you. Consider using your brand name or something closely related to it. 

Your profile picture should be high-quality and distinct, making it easy for people to identify your brand. Consider using your logo or a high-quality image that represents your brand.

It's also important to keep your username and profile picture consistent across all of your social media platforms. 

This will help your audience recognize your brand across different platforms and make it easier for them to find you.

Crafting a compelling bio

Your Instagram bio is your chance to make a strong first impression on potential followers. 

It's the first thing people will read when they come across your profile, so it's essential to make it count. 

Use your bio to showcase your personality, unique selling points, and the kind of content your audience can expect to see from you. 

Make sure your bio is clear, concise, and in line with your brand voice. Consider using emojis or bullet points to make your bio more visually appealing and easier to read.

It's also a good idea to include a call-to-action in your bio. This could be something as simple as asking people to follow you or directing them to your website. 

Including a call-to-action can help you drive more traffic to your profile and increase engagement.

Utilizing Instagram's business tools

Instagram offers a range of free business tools to help creators and brands succeed on the platform. 

If you're using Instagram for business purposes, it's important to switch to a business account and take advantage of these features. 

Some of the most useful business tools include:

• Instagram Insights: This tool provides you with valuable insights into your audience, including their age, gender, location, and more. 

You can use this information to create more targeted content that resonates with your audience.

• Creator Studio: This tool allows you to manage your Instagram account from your desktop computer. You can use it to schedule posts, track performance, and more.
• Shoppable posts: This feature allows you to tag products in your posts and make them shoppable. 

This can help you drive more sales and make it easier for your audience to purchase your products.

By using these business tools, you can gain valuable insights into your audience, streamline your content creation process, and drive more sales for your business.

Hence, setting up your Instagram profile for success requires careful consideration of your username, profile picture, bio, and business tools. 

By following these tips, you can create a strong, recognizable brand on Instagram and connect with your audience in a meaningful way.

Step 2: Creating High-Quality, Engaging Content

Creating content that is both high-quality and engaging is essential for building a strong online presence and growing your following. 

In this guide, we'll explore some tips and tricks for creating content that resonates with your audience and keeps them coming back for more.

Identifying your target audience

Before diving into content creation, it's important to identify your target audience. 

Who are you creating content for? 

What are their interests, needs, and pain points? 

Understanding your audience will help you create content that speaks directly to them and resonates on a deeper level.

Once you've identified your target audience, you can start brainstorming content ideas that align with their interests and needs. 

For example, if you're targeting busy parents, you might create content around quick and easy meal prep ideas or tips for managing a busy schedule.

Establishing a consistent aesthetic and theme

A cohesive and visually pleasing Instagram feed is key to attracting and retaining followers. 

When someone visits your profile, they should be able to quickly understand what your brand is all about and what kind of content they can expect to see from you.

To establish a consistent aesthetic and theme, start by choosing a color palette that aligns with your brand image. 

This could be a set of complementary colors or a specific shade that you use consistently throughout your feed. 

You should also experiment with different editing styles to find one that works well for your brand.

Another way to establish a consistent theme is to create a series of posts around a specific topic. 

For example, if you're a fashion blogger, you might create a series of posts around sustainable fashion or outfit ideas for different body types.

Incorporating various content formats (photos, videos, Stories, Reels)

Varying your content formats not only keeps your feed fresh and interesting, but it also gives you the chance to showcase your creativity and expand your reach. 

Experiment with different content formats like photos, videos, Stories, and Reels to keep your followers engaged.

Photos are great for showcasing products or creating visually stunning images that align with your brand. 

Videos are perfect for sharing tutorials, behind-the-scenes glimpses, or interviews with industry experts.

Stories and Reels are great for sharing shorter, more casual content that gives your followers a glimpse into your day-to-day life.

By incorporating a variety of content formats, you can keep your feed fresh and interesting while also appealing to a wider audience.

So, creating high-quality, engaging content takes time and effort, but it's well worth it in the end. 

By identifying your target audience, establishing a consistent aesthetic and theme, and incorporating various content formats, you can create content that resonates with your followers and helps you grow your online presence.

Step 3: Optimizing Your Posts for Maximum Reach

Are you looking to increase your reach on Instagram? Here are some tips to help you optimize your posts and get discovered by new followers.

Utilizing Relevant Hashtags

Hashtags are a powerful tool for increasing your reach and getting discovered by new followers. However, it's important to use relevant hashtags that align with your content and your target audience. 

For example, if you're a food blogger, using hashtags like #foodie or #yum may help you connect with other food enthusiasts. 

But, if you're a fitness influencer, using those same hashtags may not be as effective. Instead, you may want to use hashtags like #fitfam or #workoutmotivation to reach a more targeted audience.

Another tip for using hashtags is to mix up your hashtags with each post. Using the same hashtags on every post may cause your content to get lost in the sea of other posts using those same hashtags. 

So, be sure to switch up your hashtags and use a mix of popular and niche hashtags to increase your chances of being discovered.

Geotagging Your Posts

If your content is location-specific, be sure to geotag your posts. This will increase your visibility among local users and help you connect with a more targeted audience. 

For example, if you're a local business, geotagging your posts can help you reach potential customers in your area. 

Or, if you're a travel blogger, geotagging your posts can help you connect with other travelers who are interested in the same destinations.

Another benefit of geotagging your posts is that it can help you get featured on location-based Instagram feeds. 

For example, if you geotag your post at a popular tourist attraction, your post may show up in the feed for that location, increasing your visibility to potential new followers.

Posting at Optimal Times

The timing of your posts can have a big impact on their reach and engagement. Use Instagram Insights to see when your followers are most active and schedule your posts accordingly. 

Posting when your followers are most active can help your posts get more visibility and engagement, which can lead to more followers and a larger reach.

Another tip for posting at optimal times is to consider your target audience. 

For example, if you're targeting an international audience, you may want to schedule your posts to coincide with peak activity times in different time zones. 

This can help you reach a larger audience and increase your chances of getting discovered by new followers.

By utilizing relevant hashtags, geotagging your posts, and posting at optimal times, you can increase your reach and get discovered by new followers on Instagram. 

So, start implementing these tips today and watch your Instagram presence grow!

Step 4: Engaging with Your Audience and Community

Engaging with your audience and community on Instagram is essential for building a loyal following and growing your brand. 

Here are some additional tips to help you connect with your followers and expand your reach:

Responding to comments and messages

When someone takes the time to comment on your post or send you a message, it's important to respond in a timely manner. 

ALSO READ: How to Manage Instagram Comments (Delete, Pin, and More!)

Not only does this show that you value their engagement, but it also helps to foster a sense of community on your page. 

Take the time to craft thoughtful responses that show your personality and brand voice.

Another way to engage with your followers is to ask them questions in your captions or stories. 

This encourages them to share their thoughts and opinions, which can lead to interesting conversations and valuable insights.

Collaborating with other users and influencers

Collaborating with other creators on Instagram can help you reach new audiences and build relationships with other members of your community. 

Look for users and influencers in your niche who share your values and aesthetic, and reach out to them with a proposal for a collaboration.

Some popular types of collaborations include sponsored posts, giveaways, and Instagram takeovers. 

When done correctly, collaborations can be a win-win for both parties involved, as they can help to increase exposure and engagement for everyone.

Participating in relevant challenges and trends

Instagram challenges and trends are a great way to show off your creativity and connect with like-minded users. 

When participating in a challenge or trend, be sure to use the relevant hashtags and tag the original creator if applicable.

Some popular types of challenges include photo challenges, dance challenges, and art challenges. 

When choosing which challenges to participate in, look for ones that align with your brand and values, and that will allow you to showcase your unique perspective and style.

Overall, engaging with your audience and community on Instagram is all about building relationships and showing your personality. 

By taking the time to respond to comments and messages, collaborating with other users and influencers, and participating in relevant challenges and trends, you can create a thriving community around your brand and grow your following in the process.

Step 5: Utilizing Instagram Stories to Boost Engagement

Creating interactive Stories with polls, questions, and quizzes

Instagram Stories are a highly engaging format that allows you to get creative and interactive with your audience. 

Use features like polls, questions, and quizzes to spark conversations and encourage engagement.

Sharing user-generated content

User-generated content is a great way to showcase your brand's community and build trust with your followers. 

Share user-generated content on your Stories to show your appreciation and foster a sense of community.

Promoting your posts and collaborations

Instagram Stories are also a great way to promote your latest posts and collaborations. 

Use them to tease upcoming content, share behind-the-scenes glimpses, and showcase your latest partnerships.

Step 6: Harnessing the Power of Instagram Reels

Creating entertaining and informative Reels

Instagram Reels are a relatively new format, but they've quickly become a powerful tool for engagement and reach. 

Create entertaining and informative Reels that align with your brand and get creative with the format.

Leveraging popular sounds and trends

Reels are heavily driven by sound and music. Keep up with the latest sounds and trends and use them to your advantage to increase your reach and engagement.

Cross-promoting your Reels on other platforms

Don't limit yourself to just Instagram for your Reels. Share them on other platforms like TikTok and YouTube to reach a wider audience and drive traffic back to your Instagram account.

Step 7: Running Effective Instagram Contests and Giveaways

Planning and promoting your contest

Running a contest or giveaway can be a great way to increase engagement and grow your following. 

Make sure you plan out all the details in advance and promote it heavily on your Instagram page.

Setting clear rules and guidelines

Make sure you're clear on the rules and guidelines for your contest or giveaway. This includes eligibility requirements, entry instructions, and the prize.

Selecting and announcing winners

Once your contest or giveaway is over, it's time to select a winner and announce it to your followers. Make sure you're transparent and fair in your selection process.

FAQs- Get More Ideas Here!

Q. How to get Instagram followers?

One way to get more Instagram followers is by consistently posting high-quality content that is relevant and fascinating to your target audience. Additionally, use relevant hashtags, engage with your followers, and collaborate with other users or brands to increase your visibility on the platform.

Q. What are some effective strategies to boost Instagram followers?

Some effective strategies to boost Instagram followers include optimizing your profile, using Instagram Stories and Reels, hosting giveaways or contests, and collaborating with influencers or other brands in your niche.

Q. Can I grow my Instagram followers organically?

Yes, you can definitely grow Instagram followers organically by implementing these seven steps: defining your target audience, optimizing your profile, posting consistently, using relevant hashtags, engaging with your followers, promoting your account on other platforms, and analyzing your performance.

READ MORE: 7 Profile Handling Ideas: How To Pick An Instagram Name

Q. How important is consistency to grow Instagram followers?

Consistency is crucial when it comes to growing Instagram followers. Posting high-quality content on a consistent basis will keep your followers engaged and attract new ones.

Q. How can I promote my Instagram account on other platforms?

You can promote your Instagram account on other platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest by sharing your Instagram handle and promoting your latest posts or promotions.

Q. Is it necessary to use hashtags to get more followers on Instagram?

Yes, using relevant and trending hashtags is an effective way to get more followers on Instagram as it allows your content to be discovered by users who are searching for that particular hashtag.

Q. What is the importance of engaging with my Instagram followers?

Engaging with your Instagram followers is crucial as it helps to build a strong relationship with them. Responding to comments, direct messages, and mentions shows that you care about your followers and can help to attract new ones.

Conclusion

So there you have it -  7 steps on how to get Instagram followers and help you grow your Instagram following organically in 2023. 

By focusing on creating high-quality, engaging content, optimizing your posts with relevant hashtags, and engaging with your audience and community, you'll be well on your way to building an authentic and loyal following on Instagram. 

These tips for getting Instagram followers will ensure that you attract the right audience and keep them engaged with your content on a consistent basis. 

So, start implementing these strategies today and watch your Instagram following grow!